Italy is set to take center stage in the global tourism industry as the Eternal City prepares to host the 25th edition of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit from September 28 to 30, 2025. Held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, the prestigious event will unite top-level stakeholders including global CEOs, tourism ministers, city mayors, and industry pioneers to shape the future of travel and tourism through collaborative dialogue and strategic innovation.
Organized in partnership with Italy’s Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (Italian National Tourist Board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, the summit reaffirms Italy’s leadership in the global travel space. Under the central theme of bold thinking and collaborative action, the three-day event will feature a diverse agenda covering emerging topics such as artificial intelligence in travel, sustainable aviation, destination stewardship, and the rising influence of fashion tourism.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson praised Italy as the “perfect stage” to highlight the sector’s potential for excellence, beauty, and global connectivity. A significant leadership milestone will also occur during the summit, as current WTTC Chair Greg O’Hara officially hands over the reins to Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises.
Italy’s influence will be strongly represented through its flourishing cruise industry, luxury fashion houses, world-class hospitality, and wellness tourism. Manfredi Lefebvre emphasized that Rome offers a unique and symbolic setting to champion sustainability and innovation in tourism, calling the sector a powerful force that “transcends borders and fosters global connections.”
With the travel and tourism industry projected to grow nearly four times faster than the broader economy, the WTTC Global Summit will spotlight its capacity to generate jobs, drive sustainable practices, and nurture cross-cultural understanding. The event will also showcase Italy’s legendary “Grande Bellezza,” from its architectural marvels and culinary heritage to its recent success in hosting global events like the Ryder Cup and the America’s Cup.
As the fourth most-visited country in Europe, Italy stands as both an inspiration and a blueprint for the future of global tourism—one where sustainability and excellence walk hand in hand. The 2025 WTTC Summit in Rome promises to be a landmark event in shaping a resilient, innovative, and inclusive travel landscape.
